Enhancement of Cellulose Rich Organic Matter Degradation by Inoculation with Streptomyces sp. Strains

Microbial degradation of organic matter is a vital part of carbon cycle in nature. Actinobacteria play an important role in the decomposition of cellulose rich organic matter (CROM). Streptomyces spp. are abundant in soil, produce various secondary metabolites and secrete extracellular enzymes. The aim of this research was to isolate and select Streptomyces strains with the best cellulose degradation abilities. Out of total 32 actinobacteria isolates, four Streptomyces strains (CA1, CA10, PA2 and PA7) were subjected to morphological, physiological, biochemical characterization and molecular identification. CROM degradation potential of the strains was investigated on straw and beech briquettes as well as on legume based substrate in in vitro condition. Streptomyces strains CA1 and CA10 showed the best cellulose production and starch hydrolysis abilities, followed by strains PA2 and PA7. Strain CA1 was also positive to production of pectinase enzymes. Streptomyces zaomyceticus CA1 and S. tanashiensis CA10 were used as inoculants, which degraded the raw cellulose from 38.38 to 81.69% in the investigated substrates (straw, beech, legume), during a 30-day incubation experiment. CROM inoculation with the selected Streptomyces strains improved and accelerated its degradation in controlled conditions. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers